Several false promotions made forwa...

Several false promotions made forward the Internet have the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) disquieted according to a consumer education publication from the FTC An article in "FTC Consumer Feature" states that the FTC and other law enforcement agencies have increased efforts to interrupt the proliferation of false health care claims onward the Internet. These agencies are using the latest technology to identify fraudulent marketers. The FTC also is educating consumer forward how to shop safely online for health care productions The commission is encouraging folks to speak with their physicians or other health care providers about the safe use of fill ups and other alternative health fruitss The FTC also is urging the community to report suspicious health claims to command authorities.

According to the article, the Internet shows marketers low-cost access to a large market. The sumptuousness is reasonable for both legitimate and fraudulent marketers to market their produces online. Fraudulent health claims typically disquiet serious diseases (eg, AIDS, cancer, multiple sclerosis) and chronic conditions (eg headaches, back pain). Promoter of health care performances often use similar claims to inveigle consumers into buying their outcomes According to the article, consumer should be suspicious of health care marketers who

* claim their effect is a "scientific breakthrough," "miraculous cure" "secret ingredient," or "ancient remedy";

* claim their effect is an effective cure for a wide range of ailments;

* use impressive-sounding medical terms;

* cite undocumented case histories of the community who had "amazing" results;

* claim their production is available from only individual source and require payment in advance;

* claim to have a "money-back" guarantee; or

* use web sites that fail to list the company's name, address, telephone number, or other contact information.

For more information, contact the FTC at http:// www ftcgov or (877) 382-4357

"Health claims in succession the Internet: Buyer Beware," FTC Consumer Feature (June 2001) 1-2

COPYRIGHT 2001 Association of Operating compass Nurses, Inc.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group